A MISSING CODICIL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 43, 26 June 1913, Page 5

A MISSING CODICIL.

THE SACKVILLE SCANDAL.

WASHING OP FAMILY LINEN

By Electric Tklksraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.!

London. June 25

Sir E. Carson is representing the Sackvilles, and Mr F. Smith is counsel for Malcolm Scott. Mr Smith said that Sir John willed Lady Sackville, in token of her goodness and sympathy, particularly at the time of his mother's death, £160,000, pictures and furniture in Paris worth £350,000, and other valuables. As they were all left duty free, which amounted to 40 per cent., there is likely to be little or no residuarv estate for the family out of a total of £1,180,000. MiMalcolm asks the court to pronounce that the missing codicil revokes the bequests to Lady Sackville. Another codicil of 1908 provided that if the members of the family disputed the will they would ho disinherited. Mr Smith continued that Sir John was affectionate and easily influenced. He met Lady Sackville in March, 1897. He kept a diary,' and an entry in June. 1899, read : "She is a truly marvellou: woman, clever and sympathetic." Ir a later entry: "She told me all her troubles and worries." Mr Smith stat ed that Walter Scott was desirous of becoming his brother's private secretary. Lady Sackville objecting, he took Walter for walks, and suggested that Walter was in love with her. Walter bluntly replied: "You never made a greater mistake." Lady Sack villo afterwards told John that Waltei was in love with her. Mrs Scot; tried to persuade John to give up the Sackvilles: Finally, in December. 1899, Walter asked Lady Sackville to leave his brother alone, as she waf alienating the family. Lady Sackville refused, and Walter spoke to Sii John the same evening. His mother overheard the conversation, and dier 1 of heart attack the next morning Lady Sackville gradually insinuated herself as mistress in Sir John's house u<;ed his motor cars, gave orders t< 'the servants, and arranged entertain ments, putting the sisters in-the back ground. Some money was given t( the Sackvilles, apparently upon '. mortgage of Knowle House. John ad vanced £SOO to meet the expenses ol 'the litigation in a legitimacy case. Some of Scott's valuables were sold yesterday at Christie's day sale, bring ing £75,551, including four panels ol Beanvais tapestry, which brough £18,980.: